Wine tasting event to raise funds for generator

Thursday

Nov 7, 2013 at 3:00 PM

By Nancy Hastingsnhastings@hillsdale.netHILLSDALE — Any non-profit organization is faced with funding challenges.Many rely on grants, but also need to come up with creative ways to raise funds for ongoing projects.A wine tasting event will be held from 5-8 p.m. at the Hillsdale County Senior Services Center on Friday to raise funds toward the purchase and installation of an emergency generator at the Perennial Park location. Appetizers will also be served and tickets are $20 in advance by calling the center at 437-2422.Finance Director Vicki Reynolds-Boyd said the second annual event will feature wines from Cherry Creek Winery on US-12.“Last year, the event brought in 53 people, so we are looking for another successful fundraising opportunity this year,” Reynolds-Boyd said.In August, the Hillsdale County Senior Services Center announced that the Weatherwax Foundation approved a challenge grant in the amount of $75,000 toward the purchase and installation of a generator for the center. These funds will be awarded when $129,200 is raised in additional gifts to reach the full $204,200. This matching grant is available until June 30, 2014.In February 2011, an ice storm knocked out power to many in Hillsdale County and Perennial Park offered shelter, meals and shower facilities to a number of people. The center is a designated Red Cross Emergency Shelter in Hillsdale County. This designation recognizes the central location and unique ability in the county to house and feed a large number of people on short notice; however, if Perennial Park is without power, this designation does not benefit anyone.The center hopes the community continues to see the value in this effort and helps with this challenge grant by supporting its fundraising events.Denise Burtka, who manages the Old School House Tasting Room, said she and her husband, John, have operated the Old School house site for seven years. They produce wines including red, fruit, sparkling, white, rose’, dessert and cider. Burtka said they enjoy doing wine tasting events and representatives of the business look forward to the fundraiser at Perennial Park.